Health And Safety Policy

Gardeners Old Malden Health and Safety Policy

Gardeners Old Malden is committed to providing gardening and grounds care services in a manner that protects the health, safety, and welfare of our clients, employees, contractors, visitors, and members of the public. This policy sets out the principles and standards we follow to manage risks and maintain a safe working environment across all properties we attend.

Our Health and Safety Commitment

We aim to conduct all gardening, maintenance, and related activities safely and responsibly. Health and safety considerations are integrated into our planning, decision-making, and daily operations. We seek to prevent accidents, injuries, and ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing appropriate control measures for every job, whether routine lawn care or more complex landscaping tasks.

Legal Responsibilities

Gardeners Old Malden complies with relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry standards for gardening and grounds maintenance. We monitor legislative changes and guidance and update our procedures when required. All employees and contractors are expected to cooperate fully with these requirements and follow company policies at all times while at work.

Roles and Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the management of Gardeners Old Malden. Management ensures that suitable resources, equipment, and training are provided so that work can be carried out safely and efficiently. Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for implementing this policy on site, overseeing risk assessments, and ensuring that staff follow safe systems of work.

Every employee and contractor has a duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. This includes using equipment correctly, wearing the required personal protective equipment, following instructions and training, and reporting hazards, defects, incidents, and near misses without delay.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We complete suitable and proportionate risk assessments for our gardening activities. These cover, where relevant, the use of powered tools and machinery, manual handling tasks, working at height, use of chemicals and treatments, noise and vibration, traffic and access routes, and interaction with members of the public. Risk assessments are reviewed regularly and when there are changes in work methods, equipment, or locations.

Safe working practices are developed from these risk assessments and communicated clearly to all staff. We plan each job to minimise risks, for example by selecting appropriate tools, scheduling higher risk tasks for suitable times, using barriers or signage where needed, and ensuring adequate supervision for complex or hazardous work.

Training, Competence and Supervision

Gardeners Old Malden provides ongoing training to ensure that staff are competent to carry out their duties safely. Training may include induction training, equipment operation, manual handling, safe use of chemicals, emergency procedures, and specific training for higher risk tasks. Only trained and authorised personnel are permitted to operate specialist machinery or undertake work at height.

Supervisors monitor working practices on site to confirm that safety procedures are being followed and that staff remain competent and confident in their roles. Additional coaching or refresher training is provided whenever necessary.

Tools, Machinery and Equipment Safety

We select and maintain tools and machinery to ensure they are suitable and safe for gardening work. Equipment is inspected regularly, and maintenance is carried out in line with manufacturer recommendations and industry good practice. Defective or damaged tools are withdrawn from use immediately and not returned to service until they have been repaired or replaced.

Staff are instructed to follow operating instructions, use guards and safety devices, and shut down machinery when not in use or when members of the public are nearby. Fuel, oils, and other consumables are stored, handled, and disposed of safely.

Personal Protective Equipment

Gardeners Old Malden provides appropriate personal protective equipment based on the nature of the work and the risks identified. This may include safety footwear, gloves, eye and hearing protection, high-visibility clothing, and respiratory protection when required. Employees are expected to wear and look after the equipment provided and to report any damage or loss so it can be replaced promptly.

Use of Chemicals and Environmental Care

Where gardening tasks involve fertilisers, weed control products, or other treatments, we use them responsibly and in accordance with current regulations and manufacturer instructions. We strive to minimise chemical use and favour environmentally considerate methods wherever practicable. Storage, mixing, application, and disposal are controlled to prevent harm to people, pets, wildlife, and the wider environment.

Manual Handling and Ergonomics

Many gardening activities involve lifting, carrying, and repetitive movements. We plan work to reduce manual handling risks by using mechanical aids where possible, sharing loads, and avoiding unsafe lifting practices. Staff receive guidance on posture, lifting techniques, and pacing of work to reduce the risk of sprains, strains, and longer-term musculoskeletal issues.

Public Safety and Site Management

When working on client properties or in shared outdoor spaces, we consider the safety of residents, visitors, neighbours, and passers-by. We manage access routes, use warning signs or temporary barriers when required, and keep work areas as tidy as possible. Tools and materials are stored securely to prevent unauthorised access, especially where children or pets may be present.

Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents, and near misses must be reported promptly so that they can be recorded, investigated, and used to improve our controls. First aid arrangements are in place, and staff are aware of the procedures for dealing with injuries, sudden illness, fire, or other emergencies. Where necessary, we cooperate with clients and relevant authorities in any follow-up actions.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement

Gardeners Old Malden regularly reviews its health and safety performance, including incident data, staff feedback, site inspections, and changes in guidance or best practice. This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed periodically and whenever significant changes occur in our operations. Our goal is continual improvement in safety standards, ensuring that our gardening services remain professional, reliable, and as safe as reasonably practicable for everyone involved.